If you’re a fan of vocals in a hard and heavy setting, then you’re best to find out about Germany’s Van Canto. The band features five vocalists and a drummer with the voices covering all the parts guitar, bass and keyboards would do. The outfit mixes original songs with covers by Metallica, Blind Guardian, Manowar, Maiden, Deep Purple and Nightwish. The band has recently set up a brand-new MySpace and you can hear some samples of their amazing abilities. Check it out : here

You can also see their latest video of the song “Lost Forever” from their forthcoming CD Tribe of Forcehere

Danish band The Kandidate will be releasing their next full-length CD Until We Are Outnumbered at the end of January (which should be any time!!!). In the meantime, here is a video of one of the new songs ”“Give Up All Hope

Legendary singer Michael Monroe (ex-Hanoi Rocks) held a press conference to announce his new band lineup this past week. Hosted by ex-Jackass and pro skater Bam Margera, the event was held at Hollywood, California-based Swing House Rehearsal & Recording Studios.

The band now includes fellow ex-Hanoi-Rocks bassist Sami Yaffa who also has done stints with the New York Dolls and Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, among many others. Guitarist Ginger who also fronts his own band, The Wildhearts is on board as is Todd Youth who has spent time with Danzig, Motorhead, Samhain, and D Generation. The drummer is Jimmy Clark who has behind the kit for Blondie vocalist Deborah Harry, Joan Jett, Rick Derringer and many more.

The band will be doing select west coast dates in the U.S. and plans are under way for some eastern dates later in May. The band hopes to be in the studio this summer with the release slated for late 2010.